Who Doesn't Need a Relapse Plan?

After all, we're starting to look at the long haul here. The 12 weeks is almost over and the next 12 weeks, 12 months, 12 years… is still to come. I don't want to un-do all the good I've done on this plan, and I know you don't either.

Fortunately, Ellie Krieger has worked with many clients who have felt the same pressure as they started to get close to their goal weight. And they weren't any more perfect at this than you and I are.

Here are Ellie's suggestions for dealing with these fears — and coming up with a plan to handle those inevitable relapses:

° Remember that you don't need to be perfect. Did you indulge a bit too much on vacation? Get back on your plan again when you get home. Did work deadlines keep you from exercising last week? Start again this week.

° Keep stress at bay. If you're feeling whipped by stress (and if it's sending you to the fridge a bit too often), go back to doing the 5-minute breathing exercise Ellie recommends in the book. Stress can make any of us overeat. Concentrate on slowing down and getting back to eating mindfully.

° Cut yourself some slack. Don't beat yourself up when you fall off the wagon. What purpose does that serve? Just get back on track and move on.

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° Look at your life. If you're slipping back into old habits, ask yourself what's going on in your life to derail your progress? Is it work? Family? Try to figure out why you are struggling.

° Make a new plan — and stick with it. Deciding "I'll walk for 10 minutes tonight after work" beats doing nothing. If you've slacked off for weeks, you may want to go back to week 1 in the book, Ellie suggests. Or just jump back in the middle. Whatever feels right for you.

Have you created a relapse plan to help you get back on track after a tough week? Tell us about it in "Comments."

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